Is there a way to find out which vaccination group you're in?

[MangoM]

I was wondering if there's a way to check which vaccination group you're in. I'm 38 but I think I should be group 6 as I'm on long term medication for ulcerative colitis and I receive the annual flu jab. I know that flu jab doesn't automatically mean I'd be in group 6 for the covid jab which is why I'm asking the question.

Up until now I've been advised from the hospital that I don't need to shield but am a higher risk of complications due to my prescription meds.

I know of a few people locally in their early 60s and lots of younger people on MN have said that they've been invited for their jab so it's making me worry that I'm not on the Group 6 list.

I know one option is to just wait and see, but we want to start trying for second baby and if I know I'll get the vaccine sooner rather than later, it would be worth waiting a few months as I'd be a high risk pregnancy even in normal times. But then on the flip side, we don't want to hold off and then find out that I won't be getting the vaccine until later in the year and waste all that time. Especially as DH and I aren't getting any younger.

So yeah, back to the original question. Does anyone know if there's a way to find out for definite which vaccination you fall into? That doesn't involve asking the GP as they've specifically said not to ask about vaccinations unless you've already been invited.

@Firkinhavinalaugh
indeed different local authorities have been working things differently and in particularly prioritising key workers for surplus jabs at the end of the day etc
However that is totally different to the government's official priority groups which do not cover key workers at all (except for health and social care). I personally hope this will change but it has not. With local authorities having discretion it will very much become the case that many key workers will have had the jab thanks to being in the right place at the right time but most will not.

@Firkinhavinalaugh

As I said, just using the govs use of keyworker - not mine! Taken directly from gov.uk

www.gov.uk/guidance/short-term-paid-work-in-adult-social-care

Perhaps the govt definition of “keyworkers” is different from the general populations “keyworkers”. As I say I’ve just been using the govt definition. I’m sorry if it’s caused confusion, but it’s the most recent bit of literature I was reading as I’ve been applying for those roles (NOT to get the vaccine I might add )

surely you can understand that adult social care and key workers are not the same thing??! Indeed someone working in adult social care is a key worker. They will be vaccinated. The vast majority of key workers are not those working in adult social care!

@MangoM
sorry for derailing the thread but I think it's important that everyone understands that key workers are not being officially prioritised.
I'll shut up now but hope the GP is helpful when you ring up. I don't think there is any other way to find out.

I apologise too, in my mind keyworkers are those related to care. I appreciate my use of the keyworkers definition isn’t every bodies use of it.

It’s too late now for a “further” definition but public facing staff in all “key” work should be given a better idea of when they will be vaccinated.

Everyone should have an idea. It was never going to work exactly the same in each area but what is clear is that 16-49 without UC should not be given the vax BEFORE the designated groups.

It would be great if local authorities and surgeries could come together more cohesively to ensure priory groups are done.

I hope you all able to find out from the GP soon and get a date booked in.

as said, you just need to phone GP and ask,the receptionist should be able to tell you if you are coded 6. If you are not then ask for a GP appointment to discuss. Even if your UC is stable, one of the criteria for Group 6 is possibility of needing to go onto high dose steroid meds at short notice, with UC this is always a possibility.
Goes without saying to be polite and appreciative to whoever answers about the question because the staff in surgeries are snowed under with calls about this and a nice patient at the end of the phone helps them a lot to keep up the energy for their work.

I'm in group 6 and am having the Pfizer one next week

I just rang my GP, receptionist was sympathetic but couldn't confirm that I was in group 6. She told me it doesn't say anything on my record. I may drop my IBD clinic an email to see what they say. I assume they'd be able to advise on which group I should be in based on my medication, severity of condition, etc. And then I can go back to GP and state it as fact (kind of!)

@Frazzled2207
No worries. It seems to be causing confusion so best to clear things up while you have the chance.

@time4anothername
That's exactly it. I might only be 'higher risk' right now, but I could easily end up in the clinically vulnerable within a couple of days if I flared. I'm due my next flare up soon, it's usually an annual event for me